Chapter 212: Chapter 212

Chapter 212 Pregnant Alfred smiled faintly and asked, “Is it from the Millers?”

The butler smiled awkwardly, then glanced at Crystal. Everyone in the family knew about her relationship with Henry.

After pondering for a moment, Alfred instructed them to enter.

Eighteen black Mercedes-Benz cars and eighty-eight exquisite gifts, carefully arranged in pairs, were brought in.

Alfred pointed at the items and inquired, “Are these mere gifts or a marriage proposal?”

The representative from the Miller family simply smiled.

Just as Lucia was about to speak, Alfred whispered softly in her ear, “I’ve met the guy; he is talented and looks decent!”

Lucia nodded in acceptance as she trusted her son’s judgment.

Although Alfred accepted half of the gifts, he didn’t voice his approval of the relationship.

It was also his way of establishing Crystal’s status in the Lodge family.

After all, Crystal was a highly sought-after woman; even the wealthiest family in the northern region came to propose marriage.

He wanted there to be no doubt about Crystal’s position as the esteemed heiress of the Lodge family.

On the other hand, Crystal felt a whirlwind of emotions.

What is Henry up to?

Later that evening, Crystal finally had a moment to herself. Just as she was about to call Henry, he surprised her by calling first.

She answered the call and heard the man’s uncharacteristically gentle voice. “Are you having a good time at Coldbridge?”

“It’s all right.” Crystal nodded.

After a brief contemplation, she decided to be straightforward with him. “From now on, please refrain from sending more gifts to the Lodge family. I’m afraid-”

“That others will misunderstand?” he interrupted.

“Crystal, I wanted to propose to you, but your uncle objected to it.”

Henry’s voice seemed particularly alluring in the dark silent night. “What should I do? It seems like pursuing you has become more challenging! Crystal, do you want me to come over?”

Crystal shook her head.

My reunion with the Lodges has nothing to do with my relationship with Henry. He’s trying to create a diversion.

She remained composed and replied softly, “I have something to do. Let’s talk about it when I return to Barnwood.”

There was a long silence on the other end before Henry whispered, “Crystal, are you pushing me out of your life?”

In the Lodge family, she was the sole female of her generation.

It was evident that Alfred wanted her to return to Coldbridge. If Crystal agreed to the arrangement, was there still any hope for them?

After his question, they both fell silent.

Crystal understood that he was looking for a commitment, but at the moment, she couldn’t promise him anything.

She didn’t want to impulsively give her heart away and surrender herself entirely once again.

Finally, Henry hung up the phone.

Crystal stayed at the Lodge residence for three days before returning to Barnwood.

When the driver drove her to her apartment building, she noticed a black Maybach parked nearby. The window rolled down, revealing a slender arm resting on the windowsill. The man casually smoking was none other than Henry.

Upon seeing Crystal, he came out of the car and took her luggage from her. “You’re back.”

Crystal replied with a hum.

After not seeing each other for almost a month, their reunion felt somewhat distant.

Henry extinguished his cigarette and walked ahead of Crystal toward the building.

At first, she wanted to stop him, but seeing his dejected figure, she held back and followed him upstairs.

When Crystal was opening her apartment door, Henry couldn’t resist and embraced her from behind.

The woman’s body tensed up at that..

Sensing her discomfort, he whispered in her ear, “I won’t touch you. It’s been a long time since we had a meal together. Shall we have spaghetti?”

Crystal let out a soft hum in response as she entered the house, with Henry trailing closely behind. After glancing around the place, he inquired, “Where’s our dog?”

She chuckled and replied, “At Coldbridge.”

“Are you planning to give the dog the Lodge surname?” Henry asked in a hushed voice, turning her toward him and gently guiding her to sit on the sofa.

What a childish question.

Crystal pushed him away and headed to the kitchen to fix herself a hearty lunch.

Henry decided to make her a cup of warm milk.

As he leaned against the counter, he casually remarked, “I heard the project at Hulcaster was a great success.”

Crystal nodded and replied, “Yes, it went well. I asked Pete to stay there for two months and gave him full authority over the project. You don’t have to worry about his abilities; Mr. Zelcest will keep an eye on him. and lend a hand when necessary!”

Henry’s gaze darkened.

In the past few months, Crystal had undergone a profound transformation. He liked this new her, yet a part of him felt unsatisfied-

he wanted to own her entirely.

He had been feeling uneasy since Alfred appeared.

As Crystal washed vegetables, he seized the opportunity to gently wrap his arms around her delicate waist. “Do you plan to move to Coldbridge in the future?”

She paused before responding. “Um, I’m considering it.

Even though his heart sank slightly, he continued asking. “Will you go on arranged dates set up by the Lodge family? Crystal, where do I fit into your plans?”

After all that build up, he finally got to the point.

He wants me to make a promise.

Crystal wasn’t heartless.

She had tasted the bitterness of love, and while she knew Henry had feelings for her, she wasn’t ready to plunge into marriage just yet. Liking someone didn’t guarantee a lifetime together.

Though their time together made her feel happy, the uncertainty of the future gnawed at her. She wondered if he would abandon her one day after receiving a call from the Quinn family again.

As she continued washing the vegetables, the room fell into a contemplative silence, with only the sound of running water filling the space.

Henry understood her reservations. Hence, he released his grip on her and said softly, “I’ll step outside for a smoke.”

Crystal lifted her gaze and looked at him. “Smoke less, please. I’ve noticed you’ve been smoking a lot. lately.”

“Are you worried about me?”

In response, she turned around to smile at him. “We’re not enemies. We still have to spend nine months. together. It’s not strange for me to care about you!”

The man’s gaze intensified, and in a sudden move, he lifted her and gently placed her on the kitchen.

counter.

As the cool marble contrasted with his burning body, Crystal leaned against his shoulder and softly. protested, “Henry, not here!”

Ignoring her pleas, Henry firmly held her chin and initiated a passionate and forceful kiss.

Lips and tongues entwined as their emotions surged.

Crystal tried to resist and struggled in his grasp. However, she gradually found herself succumbing to his advances. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

Following the faint sound of a zipper being opened, he devoured her completely...

After suppressing his desires for a long time, Henry’s passion seemed insatiable. Throughout the afternoon, they continued their passionate rendezvous. Crystal found the whole thing absurd. In the end, both were left somewhat dazed by their intense activities.

Before long, Crystal succumbed to sheer exhaustion and drifted off to sleep.

In the middle of the night, she stirred awake and found herself alone.

Crystal stared up at the ceiling blankly, lost in contemplation.

We have crossed the line.

Originally, they had agreed on a one-year timeline, but he was not content and kept insisting on more. As for Crystal, despite her tough exterior, she knew she had a soft spot. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have allowed him to stay overnight.

Henry... Should I give it another try with him?

Crystal decided to let time provide the answer.

In the following days, Henry appeared less frequently in front of her. They would have a weekly date, either at his villa or dining out.

Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, Christmas arrived.

Anna had not returned from Coldbridge.

Crystal flew there twice, staying for a few days each time. She also visited Hulcaster every month to check on Pete’s progress.

Luckily, he was performing remarkably well!

Crystal felt that her life was rather perfect.

She made plans to have dinner with Madison at a restaurant, Her friend was already eight to nine months pregnant, and she was about to give birth. There was always someone accompanying her whenever she went out, and Charles treated her like a treasure. Their relationship with his parents had also improved somewhat.

Crystal scooped a bowl of nourishing stew for Madison.

The latter pinched her own cheek and exclaimed, “Look at how chubby I’ve become! Crystal, I don’t care. Charles isn’t here today, and I’m craving something spicy. Let’s order some delicious food and have them. deliver it here,”

Crystal glanced at her and teased, “Ordering food delivery here? Are you being serious?”

Madison pinched her nose and drank the stew.

After she was done, she stuck out her tongue and started sharing some gossip. “Did you know that Melora and Robert have officially broken up? Robert caused her so much suffering; he probably won’t be able to get a job even as a food deliveryman, let alone survive in the entertainment industry!”

Crystal wasn’t surprised at all. She chuckled and said, “Robert has always been like that!”

However, she felt happy for Melora. The latter was a kind lady who deserved someone better.

All of a sudden, Crystal felt rather queasy and wondered if the talk of Robert was the cause. Hence, she told Madison, “Just wait here for a moment. I need to use the restroom.”

“Do you feel nauseous? Are you pregnant?” Madison joked.

Although Henry always demanded more from Crystal, he always took precautions. Hence, she wasn’t worried about being pregnant. “That’s not possible!”

Madison brushed the matter aside too.

When Crystal reached the restroom, she was still feeling uncomfortable and dry-heaved a few times. Suddenly, a long-lost familiar face appeared. It was none other than Clementine.

Even though she looked terribly thin, she adorned herself with all sorts of extravagant accessories.

With a cold smirk, she said to Crystal, “What a coincidence!”

Crystal observed her through the mirror. Next, she slowly straightened herself and wiped her hands. “Yeah, what a surprise! Are you here for a meal?”

Clementine appeared uneasy.

Ever since the Cramer family discovered the truth, Zachary no longer wanted her. He had even driven her and her child away.

When she attempted to return to the music industry, she found no one willing to accept her. Her attempts to seek a decent man also proved to be futile.

As a result, she was just getting by every day.

Clementine envied Crystal as she knew the latter’s business was thriving and she had reunited with the Lodge family.

Many women coveted Alfred, yet according to rumors, he showered Crystal with boundless affection!

Clementine frowned and spat, “Your happiness will be short-lived.”

Crystal refrained from getting into an argument. Instead, she simply inquired, “What happened to the child?”

Clementine’s face twisted with a cruel smile as she revealed, “He’s been sent to an orphanage!”

An orphanage? The child is now an orphan! She’s such a heartless woman!

Though trembling inside, Clementine tried to act indifferent. She hurriedly reapplied makeup, smearing on more powder that barely stuck to her face.

She gritted her teeth and said, “It’s his fate for not being Zachary’s biological son!”

Crystal didn’t know how to respond.

Just then, a man with yellow teeth and a large gold chain emerged from the men’s restroom. As soon as he saw Clementine, he pulled her close, teasingly remarking. “You’ve been to the restroom so many times. Do you have bladder issues?”

Clementine responded with suggestive banter, but her expression turned sour after they parted ways.

It was clear for everyone to see how well or poorly she was doing in life.

Crystal couldn’t help but sigh.

She wanted to tell Madison about the encounter, but the thought of that man with yellow teeth made her feel sick. Leaning over the sink, she continued dry heaving for a while before looking up in discomfort.

As a mature woman, she could still sense that something was not right.

Her menstrual cycle seemed to be late by ten days.

Crystal gently covered her lower abdomen with her hand and wondered if she was bearing Henry’s flesh and blood.